Item dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dispenser configured for securely storing a plurality of items within a cart and providing access to a subset of the plurality of items to authorized users. The dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive a storage cart having an array of receptacles each configured to hold one or more items, a laterally sliding access door configured to provide restricted access to the cart stored within the dispenser, and an item access mechanism configured to provide selective access to a subset of the plurality of items stored within the cart. The dispenser additionally comprises a cart guide mechanism and a cart locking mechanism configured to guide the cart into the housing and to secure the cart in an appropriate location within the housing for use with the item access mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/110,972, filed Feb. 2, 2015, and entitled “ItemDispensing Apparatus” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/148,120, filed Apr. 15, 2015, and entitled “Item DispensingApparatus,” the contents of both of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generallyrelate to item dispensers, and, in particular, to item dispensersconfigured to accept a cart having items stored therein and selectivelygrant access to at least a portion of the items stored in the cart.

Description of Related Art

Item dispensers are frequently used to dispense a variety of items, suchas food products, toiletries, and other goods to various users. In thehealthcare industry, dispensers are often placed in hospitals and usedto distribute linens, surgical scrubs, and other healthcare items tomembers of a hospital's staff. These dispensers can be configured tostore such items on shelves disposed within the dispenser, or onmoveable carts that can be wheeled into an interior portion of adispenser. To prevent access to the stored items, the dispensers mayinclude a lockable access door that can be opened by an authorized user.

In various existing dispensers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.6,502,718 entitled “Garment dispensing and receiving apparatus having aremovable cart body and a flexible dispensing door,” filed Sep. 19,2002, authorized users may be granted access to a subset of items storedwithin a dispenser that are each stored within individual receptacles inthe dispenser. Moreover, certain dispensers include various cart guidemechanisms for guiding a cart into an enclosure, such as those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,562 entitled “Guides and other apparatus forinserting a cart, such as a cart with one or more fixed wheels, into anenclosure,” filed Jul. 16, 2007 and claiming priority to applicationSer. No. 11/744,387 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,410), filed May 4, 2007.

However, there is an ongoing need in the art for secure dispensers thatenable an authorized user to more easily access stored items whileminimizing the initial assembly cost of the dispensers and maximizingsecurity against unauthorized access to the stored items. Furthermore,in view of increasing efforts to reduce operational cost, there is alsoa need for dispensers that are easy to use, more reliable and that canbe manufactured at a lower cost.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to a system for dispensing items. Invarious embodiments, the system comprises: a cart comprising a cart bodyconfigured for storing one or more items and a dispenser. In variousembodiments, the dispenser comprises: a housing defining an accessopening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the cart; anaccess door disposed adjacent the access opening, the access doorconfigured for movement between (i) a closed position in which theaccess door prevents access to the cart when the cart is stored withinthe interior area of the housing and (ii) an open position in which theaccess door permits access to the cart when stored within the interiorarea of the housing; and a cart guide mechanism comprising a rear guiderail extending along a rear portion of the housing and an angled guiderail extending between the rear portion of the housing and a first sideportion of the housing; wherein the angled guide rail is configured toguide the cart to a desired position within the dispenser where a firstside wall of the cart body is substantially adjacent to a second sideportion of the housing opposite the first side portion, and a rear wallof the cart body is substantially parallel and adjacent to the rearhorizontal guide rail.

In various embodiments, the cart comprises a cart locking member; andthe cart guide mechanism comprises a cart locking mechanism configuredto engage the cart locking member when the cart is stored at the desiredposition within the dispenser. Moreover, in certain embodiments, thecart body defines at least one chamfered vertical rear corner locatedbetween the rear wall of the cart body and a second side of the cartbody, and the angled guide rail of the chamfered vertical rear corner issubstantially adjacent and parallel to the angled guide rail when thecart is stored at the desired position within the dispenser. Moreover,in various embodiments, the cart further comprises at least one guideblock having a hole extending at least partially therethrough, whereinthe guide block is positioned proximate a first side of the cart bodysuch that the hole extends in a direction parallel to the back wall ofthe cart; and the cart guide mechanism of the housing further comprisesa guide pin, wherein at least a portion of the guide pin is configuredto engage the hole of the guide block coupled to the cart when the cartis stored at the desired position within the dispenser. In certainembodiments, the cart comprises a cart locking member positioned alongthe rear wall of the cart body and proximate the second side of the cartbody; and the cart guide mechanism comprises a cart locking mechanismconfigured to engage the cart locking member when the cart is stored atthe desired position within the dispenser; and wherein the cart guidemechanism prevents unauthorized removal of the cart from the dispenserwhile the guide pin is engaged with the hole of the guide block and thecart locking mechanism is engaged with the cart locking member.

Moreover, in various embodiments, the cart further comprises at leastone guide roller; and the dispenser further comprises at least one guideplate comprising at least one guide surface configured to engage the atleast one guide roller; and wherein the at least one guide roller isconfigured to engage the at least one guide surface as the cart isdirected into the interior of the housing in a first direction of traveland redirect the cart to a second direction of travel as the cart isdirected into the interior of the housing. In certain embodiments, theat least one guide roller extends vertically above a top of the cart;and the at least one guide plate is positioned adjacent a ceiling of thehousing. In certain embodiments, the at least one guide roller comprisesa first guide roller and a second guide roller; and the at least oneguide plate comprises a first guide plate comprising a first guidesurface and a second guide plate comprising a second guide surface; andwherein the first guide roller is configured to engage and follow thefirst guide surface as the cart is directed into the interior of thehousing in a first direction of travel and redirect the cart to a seconddirection of travel as the cart is directed into the interior of thehousing; and the second guide roller is configured to engage and followthe second guide surface as the cart is directed out of the housing in athird direction of travel.

Moreover, in various embodiments, the access door comprises an itemaccess mechanism configured to selectively provide access to a portionof the interior of the housing through at least one aperture extendingthrough the item access mechanism, and wherein the item access mechanismis slidably coupled to the housing such that the item access mechanismis configured to slide laterally relative to the access opening. Incertain embodiments, the item access mechanism comprises at least oneslidable panel configured to reposition the at least one aperturevertically relative to the access opening. In certain embodiments, thecart comprises a guide rail extending across a front face of the cart;and the item access mechanism comprises a guide configured to slidablyengage the guide rail of the cart.

In various embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a control systemin communication with the item access mechanism, wherein the controlsystem comprises: a user interface; and a processor configured toreceive user input from the user interface, and to selectably grantaccess to a portion of the interior of the housing via the item accessmechanism based at least in part on the user input.

In various embodiments, the housing further comprises a door lockingmechanism configured to selectably lock the access door in the closedposition.

In various embodiments, the first side portion of the housing comprisesa first side panel and/or the second side portion of the housingcomprises a second side panel.

Various embodiments are directed to a cart for storing one or moreitems. In various embodiments, the cart comprises: a cart body forstoring one or more items, wherein the cart body defines a perimeter ofthe cart; a plurality of drive wheels secured relative to the cart body;and a retractable support base secured relative to the cart body,wherein the retractable support base comprises one or more outriggermembers and one or more support wheels each secured proximate a distalend of a corresponding outrigger member, and wherein the retractablesupport base is adjustable between: an extended configuration in whichthe distal ends of the one or more outrigger members extend beyond theperimeter of the cart; and a retracted configuration in which the distalends of the one or more outrigger members are positioned within thebounds of the cart's perimeter.

In various embodiments, the retractable support base is biased to theextended configuration. In certain embodiments, the retractable supportbase further comprises a latch mechanism configured to lock theretractable support base in the extended configuration. In variousembodiments, the outrigger members are configured to rotate about avertical axis of rotation between the extended configuration and theretracted configuration.

In certain embodiments, the outrigger members rotate between 50 and 55degrees between the extended configuration and the retractedconfiguration. Moreover, in various embodiments, the outrigger membersare offset relative to the axis of rotation.

The cart of claim 16, wherein the perimeter of the cart has arectangular cross-section, having a long dimension and a narrowdimension perpendicular to the long dimension, and wherein theretractable support base is configured such that the outrigger membersextend beyond the perimeter of the cart in a direction parallel to thenarrow dimension while in the extended configuration.

Various embodiments are directed to a system for dispensing items. Invarious embodiments, the system comprises: a cart comprising a cart bodyconfigured for storing one or more items; and a plurality of drivewheels secured relative to the cart body; and a retractable support basesecured relative to the cart body, wherein the retractable support basecomprises one or outrigger members and one or more support wheelssecured proximate a distal end of a corresponding outrigger member, andwherein the retractable support base is adjustable between: an extendedconfiguration in which the distal ends of the one or more outriggermembers extend beyond the perimeter of the cart; and a retractedconfiguration in which the distal ends of the one or more outriggermembers are positioned within the perimeter of the cart; and a dispensercomprising: a housing defining an access opening and an interior portiondimensioned for receiving the cart; and a cart engagement mechanismconfigured to engage and pivot the retractable support base to theretracted configuration when the cart is inserted into the interiorportion of the housing.

In various embodiments, the retractable support base is biased to theextended configuration. Moreover, in various embodiments, theretractable support base further comprises a latch mechanism configuredto lock the retractable support base in the extended configuration; andthe cart engagement mechanism comprises a latch release memberconfigured to unlock the retractable support base such that theretractable support base is pivotable to the retracted configuration. Incertain embodiments, the dispenser comprises a cart guide mechanismconfigured to guide the cart into the dispenser such that the cartengagement mechanism engages the retractable support base of the cart topivot the retractable support base to the retracted configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cart according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B show close-up perspective views of guide rollers accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2C-2D show a cart having a retractable support base in an extendedconfiguration according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2E-2F show a cart having a retractable support base in a retractedconfiguration according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2G shows a retractable support base in an extended configurationaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2H shows a retractable support base in a retracted configurationaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2I shows a retractable support base in an extended configurationaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a dispenser having an access door ina closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a dispenser having an access door inan open position such that a cart may be maneuvered into the dispenseraccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a dispenser having an access door inan open position and a security bar in closed position according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of a dispenser having a cart beingguided into a housing according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A-D shows perspective views of various cart guide mechanism of adispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a cart locking mechanism according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of engagement members configured forengaging a cart's retractable support base according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 8B-8D show perspective views of a cart's retractable support baseengaged with engagement members according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9-12 show schematic diagrams of a cart being directed into adispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a cart being directed out of adispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 14-22 show schematic diagrams of a cart having a retractablesupport base being inserted into a dispenser according to one embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenserconfigured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored itemsto authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispensergenerally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned toreceive a movable cart configured for supporting various items. Asdescribed in greater detail herein, the movable cart may comprise anarray of receptacles each configured to accept at least one itemtherein, while the dispenser may comprise an item access mechanismconfigured to selectively provide access to a subset of thesereceptacles.

In order to provide selective access to the removable cart within thedispenser, various embodiments include a movable access door configuredfor being moved to an open position, in which a user has accessunobstructed access to the movable cart within the dispenser such thecart may be removed from the dispenser, and a closed position, in whicha user is prevented from removing the cart stored within the dispenser.

As described in greater detail herein, various embodiments of thedispenser's access door are configured to enable an authorized user toeasily access the cart stored within the dispenser. For example, invarious embodiments, the access door is configured to slide in a lateraldirection relative to the dispenser's housing such that an authorizeduser can easily adjust the access door to the open or closed position.Moreover, as described in detail below, various embodiments of thedispenser include a door locking mechanism configured to prevent themovable access door from being moved away from the closed position.

Moreover, the access door may comprise one or more item accessmechanisms configured to provide selective access to a subset of itemsstored within the movable cart. As a non-limiting example, the itemaccess mechanism may comprise one or more item doors sized such that auser may be granted access to a single receptacle. While the access dooris in the closed position, the item access mechanism may be configuredto be positioned proximate one or more receptacles having items storedtherein, and thus provide selective access to the items in the one ormore receptacles.

As noted, the item access mechanisms may comprise one or more item doorssized to provide access to a selected subset of receptacles provided inthe cart. Thus, the dispenser may include one or more cart guidemechanisms configured to guide the cart into the appropriate locationwithin the dispenser to interact with the item access mechanisms, and tomaintain the cart position within the dispenser during use. Thus, thedispenser may comprise one or more guide mechanisms, such as cart guidebars, configured to guide the cart into the dispenser while a user isplacing a cart therein. Moreover, the dispenser may comprise a cartlocking mechanism configured to interact with a cart locking memberdisposed on the cart, and thereby maintain the location of the cartwithin the dispenser.

In some embodiments, as described in greater detail below, the dispenserincludes a movable security bar including a flexible joint locatedbetween the two ends of the security bar, one end of the bar beingimmovably coupled to dispenser and another end being detachably coupledto the dispenser when in its horizontal, closed position. The flexiblejoint of the security bar is configured to allow a user to move thesecurity bar into a vertical position and thus grant unobstructed accessto the interior of the dispenser.

These and other embodiments of the dispenser described herein arecomprised of low-cost, reliable components that serve to improvereliability and reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the dispenser.

Item Supporting Cart

FIG. 1 illustrates a cart 150 configured to be inserted into a dispenser7 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1, the cart 150 includes an open faced body 40 defined by a cart frame160 and a plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartframe 160 defines a perimeter of the cart 150, and additional componentsof the cart are disposed within the perimeter of the cart 150. The openfaced body 40 has a number of panels, including a planar rectangularhorizontal floor 41, a planar rectangular horizontal ceiling 42 that isparallel to and offset from the floor 41, a planar vertical rear wall 43that extends between corresponding rear edges 43 a, 43 b of the floor 41and the ceiling 42, a first planar rectangular side wall 44 that extendsbetween corresponding first side edges 44 a, 44 b of the ceiling 42 andthe floor 41, and a second planar rectangular side wall 45 that isparallel to and offset from the first side wall 44 and that extendsbetween corresponding second side edges 45 a, 45 b of the ceiling 42 andthe floor 41. The floor 41, ceiling 42, rear wall 43, and first andsecond side walls 44, 45 define an interior storage volume that is ofsuitable size to store a plurality of items to be dispensed from thedispenser 7. Moreover, referring briefly to FIG. 6, the cart 150 furthercomprises a weighted member 159 disposed proximate the cart floor's rearedge 43 b. According to various embodiments, the weighted member 159 isconfigured to provide stability to the cart 150 during use bymaintaining a low center of gravity and limiting the cart's ability toinadvertently tip over.

The cart 150 also includes a series of parallel horizontal dividermembers 48 extending from the first side wall 44 to the second side wall45. As shown in FIG. 1, these horizontal divider members 48 are parallelto and offset from one another and provide a surface for supportingitems stored within the cart's interior storage volume. The horizontaldivider members 48 also serve to divide the individual rows of articlesstored within the cart. As is also shown in FIG. 1, the cart 150 furtherincludes a series of planar vertical divider members 49 that extendbetween the floor 41 and the ceiling 42 of the first open faced body 40.Like the horizontal divider members 48, the vertical divider members 49are parallel to and offset from one another. The vertical dividermembers 49 serve to divide the individual columns of items stored withinthe cart 150.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the horizontal andvertical divider members 48, 49 interact structurally to create a seriesof equally-sized receptacles having a square cross-section. Thesereceptacles, which are accessible only through the front opening of theopen-faced body 40, are used to store items before they are dispensedfrom the dispenser 7. However, in various other embodiments, thehorizontal and vertical divider members 48, 49 may interact structurallyto create a series of receptacles having various sizes and/orcross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectangular and/or square) and may have anon-linear profile in order to create circular or other non-planarcross-sectional receptacle shapes.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the cart 150 includes aplurality of wheels 74-77 disposed on the exterior surface of the floor41 of the open-faced body 40 for supporting the cart 150 and forallowing the cart to be maneuvered relative to the interior of a housing50 of the dispenser 7. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a subsetof the wheels 74-75 proximate a first side of the cart 44 are fixed,such that the wheels are configured to rotate in a direction parallel tothe rear wall 43 of the cart. Moreover, a second subset of wheels 76-77are configured to pivot about a vertical access extending through thecenter of each of the wheels to thereby facilitate redirection of thecart during movement thereof. As described in greater detail herein, thefirst side of the cart 150 is configured to be inserted into the housing50 prior to the second side of the cart 150 being rotated into thehousing 50 such that the entirety of the cart 150 is positioned withinthe housing 50. Thus, the pivotable wheels 76-77 located proximate thesecond side of the cart 150 facilitate such rotation of the cart into afully-inserted position within the housing 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cart 150 further comprises a guide memberconfigured to interact with a guide member of the dispenser, and therebyguide the cart 150 into the appropriate position within the dispenser.In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the guide member forms aportion of the cart frame 160, and various additional components of aguide mechanism may be attached to the cart frame 160. The guide membercomprises a horizontal guide rail 151 comprising a portion locatedadjacent the back wall 43 of the cart 150, a portion located adjacentthe first side wall 44 of the cart 150, and a portion located adjacentthe second side wall 45 of the cart 150. The horizontal guide rail 151is integrated into the cart frame 160, and includes low-friction guidestrips 151 a configured to facilitate sliding the horizontal guide rail151 along the length of a corresponding horizontal guide rail 308disposed on the back of the housing 50. According to variousembodiments, the low-friction guide strips 151 a can be formed fromultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW).

In various embodiments, the horizontal guide rail 151 also includes achamfered locator angle 152 proximate the second side of the cart 45,which is configured to interact with a corresponding angled guide rail311 disposed within the housing 50 (shown in FIG. 6). As such, the cartframe 160 defines a substantially rectangular perimeter having at leastone chamfered corner. As described in great detail below, the horizontalguide rail 151 is generally configured to slide relative to the angledguide rail 311 disposed within the housing 50, until the portion of thehorizontal guide rail 151 disposed along the back of the cart isadjacent and parallel to the horizontal guide rail 308 of the housing50. Upon the cart 150 reaching the acceptable position within thehousing 50, the locator angle 152 of the cart 150 is adjacent andparallel to the angled guide rail 311 of the dispenser. In variousembodiments, the horizontal guide rail 151 may comprise a secondchamfered locator angle proximate the first side of the cart, andconfigured to facilitate placement of the cart 150 within the housing50. As will be described in detail herein, when the cart 150 ispositioned within the housing 50, the cart frame 160 may be in contactwith a portion of the horizontal guide rail 308 and/or the angled guiderail 311.

According to various embodiments, the cart 150 also includes a cartlocking member 153 (shown in FIG. 6) configured to interact with a cartlocking mechanism 312 disposed on the housing 50 (shown in FIG. 6). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the cart locating member 153 is secured tothe horizontal guide bar 151, and comprises a horizontally orientedcylindrical member suspended by a pair of support arms. In variousembodiments, the cart locking member is configured to engage a cartlocking mechanism 312 coupled to the housing 50 when the cart is fullyinserted in the proper position within the dispenser 7. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the cart locking member 153is disposed within the cart perimeter and the locking mechanism 312extends into the interior of the housing 50 to interact with the lockingmember 153. Thus, the locking mechanism 312 is configured to engage thelocking member 153 while the horizontal guide rail 151 of the cart 150is in contact with at least a portion of the horizontal guide rail 308.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, various embodiments of the cart 150 furthercomprise a pin guide block 154 defining a central aperture configured toaccept a guide pin 313 coupled to the housing 50 and thereby guide thecart 150 into an appropriate position within the housing 50. Thus, aswill be described in greater detail herein, when the cart 150 ispositioned in the appropriate position within the housing 50, the guidepin 313 is positioned within the central aperture of the pin guide block154 of the cart 150.

The interaction between the guide pin 313 and the pin guide block 154substantially prevents movement of the first side 44 of the cart 150within the housing 50 in horizontal directions parallel to across-sectional plane of the guild bock's central aperture. Moreover, inthe illustrated embodiment, the pin guide block 154 is disposed withinthe cart perimeter.

Thus, when the cart 150 is fully inserted in the proper position in thehousing 50, the components of the cart guide mechanism interact with thecorresponding components of the cart guide mechanism portion of thehousing 50. As will be described in greater detail herein, the guidemechanism and the locking mechanism 312 are configured to selectivelylock the cart in position such that the chamfered locator corner 152 ofthe cart 150 is in contact with the angled guide rail 311, a rearportion of the horizontal guide rail 151 of the cart 150 is in contactwith the horizontal guide rail 308, and a side portion of the horizontalguide rail 151 of the cart 150 is in contact with a cart stop 314.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the cart 150further comprises a front guide roller 156 configured to engage a frontplacement guide 316, and a rear guide roller 157 configured to engage arear placement guide 317 coupled to the housing 50. Each of the frontguide roller 156 and rear guide roller 157 comprise a wheel configuredto rotate about a vertical axis extending through the center of theroller. The guide rollers 156, 157 extend vertically from a ceiling 42of the cart 150 such that the rollers 156, 157 engage placement guides316, 317 proximate the top panel 304 of the housing 50. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the guide rollers 156, 157extend above the cart frame 160 such that the guide rollers 156, 157 areconfigured to engage corresponding placement guides coupled to thehousing 50.

When in use, an item to be dispensed is placed within each of the cart'sreceptacles and the cart 150 is placed into the interior of the housing50 so that the open front portion 46 a of the body 40 is substantiallyco-planar with an access opening 110 of the dispenser's housing 50. Asdiscussed in more detail below, this allows a control system 70 and itemaccess mechanism 440 to control access to the interior of thereceptacles.

Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the cart 150 furthercomprises an item access mechanism guide rail 155 disposed along abottom portion of cart. The item access mechanism guide rail 155 isconfigured to interact with an access mechanism guide 444 disposed onthe item access mechanism 440 such that the item access mechanism 440slides relative to the guide rail 155. Collectively, the item accessmechanism guide 444 and guide rail 155 prevent unauthorized entry intothe interior of the dispenser 7 by preventing a forward force applied ona bottom portion of the item access mechanism 440 from rotating the itemaccess mechanism 440 about an upper portion of the item accessmechanism. Upon application of such a forward force, a portion of theitem access mechanism guide 444 contacts a portion of the item accessmechanism guide rail 155, and thereby prevent forward movement of thebottom portion of the item access mechanism 440. As will be described ingreater detail herein, the access mechanism guide 440 additionallycomprises an anti-twist block 445 secured to an interior portion of theitem access mechanism 440, and configured such that the anti-twist block445 will engage a portion of the cart 150 upon the application of ahorizontal force to a lower portion of the item access mechanism 440.Thus, the anti-twist block 445 functions with the guide 444 to preventunauthorized access to the interior of the dispenser 7 by engaging aportion of the cart 150.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the cart 150further comprises a position guide bar 148 extending horizontally acrossthe open face of the cart 150. The position guide bar 148 defines aplurality of recesses 149 at various lateral positions along the lengthof the position guide bar 148. As will be described in greater detailherein, each of the plurality of recesses corresponds to a particularvertical column of receptacles in the cart 150 such that a positionlocking mechanism of the item access mechanism 440 may engage one ormore of the recesses 149 and thereby selectively lock the item accessmechanism 440 in a desired lateral position relative to the cart 150.

Certain embodiments of the cart 150 may be configured with a relativelynarrow width, where the width dimension is the measured as the distancebetween the front of the cart 150 (corresponding to the front of theopen faced body 40) and the back of the cart 150 (corresponding to theback of the open faced body 40). In various embodiments, such a narrowbody cart 150 may have a width of less than 24 inches. In a particularembodiment, the cart 150 has a width of approximately 18 inches. Thecart may have a height, for example, of 70 inches or greater.

The cart 150 may be subject to various safety rules and/or regulationsestablished by governmental entities and/or independent safety testingand certification organizations. For example, Underwriters Laboratories(UL) has established a safety certification test to determine whethercarts (e.g., cart 150) and other dispensers are at risk of tipping overwhen subject to a force that causes at least a portion of the base ofthe cart to lose contact with a support surface. Such example standardsare published as UL Standard 751, entitled “Vending Machine.” The UL 751standard requires inter alia that, under worst-case conditions in whichonly an upper portion of the cart is loaded, the loaded cart will nottip over when the cart is angled at 10 degrees relative to a horizontalsupport surface. Accordingly, when angled at 10 degrees relative to ahorizontal support surface, the center of gravity of the cart 150(unloaded or at least partially loaded) should remain over the base ofthe cart 150 defined by the wheels, such that the cart will return to anupright position when released.

FIGS. 2C-2F illustrate one embodiment of the cart 150 in which aretractable support base 1000 is provided to selectively enlarge theeffective base width of the cart 150. In the illustrated embodiment, theretractable support base 1000 is adjustable between an extendedconfiguration and a retracted configuration as shown in FIGS. 2E-2F. Inparticular, with the retractable support base 1000 in the extendedconfiguration, the stability of the cart 150 can be improved, therebyenabling the use of carts 150 having narrower widths while reducing therisk of tipping and ensuring compliance with the UL 751 standard.

As shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, the retractable support base 1000 is configuredto expand the effective width of the base of the cart 150 beyond thewidth of the cart frame 160. FIG. 2D specifically provides a bottom viewof a cart 150 with the retractable support base 1000 in the extendedconfiguration. As shown in the configuration of FIG. 2D, a rotatableoutrigger member 1010 of the retractable support base 1000 extendsbeyond the perimeter of the cart 150 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the cart 150. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, in the illustrated embodiment, thefront portion of the outrigger member 1010 and rear portion of theoutrigger member 1010 extend beyond the perimeter of the cart 150 bydifferent distances. To adjust the retractable support base 1000 to aretracted configuration (shown in FIGS. 2E-2F), the outrigger member1010 is configured to rotate about a pivot axis 1100 such that theoutrigger member 1010 no longer extends beyond the cart frame 160. Inthis retracted configuration, the cart base can be positioned completelywithin an interior portion of the housing 50 when the cart 150 ispositioned within the dispenser 7. Thus, in the retracted position, thefront portion of the outrigger member 1010 does not extend beyond thefront portion of the cart 150 and out of the access opening 110 when thecart is positioned within the dispenser 7. Similarly, when in theretracted position, the back portion of the outrigger member 1010 doesnot extend beyond the back portion of the cart 150 and engage the rearportion of the housing 50 so as to interfere with the cart 150 beingplaced within the dispenser 7.

As shown in FIGS. 2E-2F, in the retracted configuration, the outriggermember 1010 can be rotated up to 90 degrees from the extendedconfiguration such that the outrigger member 1010 and outrigger wheels1011, 1021 (which are disposed at the front and back portions of theoutrigger member 1010) are at least substantially within the perimeterof the cart 150 (as defined by the cart frame 160 and wheels 74-77). Invarious embodiments, the outrigger member 1010 is rotated between 45-90degrees between the extended and retracted configurations and, incertain embodiments, is configured to rotate from 50-55 degrees betweenthese configurations.

FIGS. 2G-2H provide detailed views of the retractable support base 1000detached from the cart 150. Referring first to FIG. 2G, whichillustrates the retractable support base 1000 in an extendedconfiguration, the retractable support base 1000 comprises a base frame1200 having a plurality of cart attachment points 1201 positionedtherein. For example, the plurality of cart attachment points 1201 maydefine fastener mounting points such that one or more fasteners (e.g.,bolts) can be used to secure the retractable support base 1000 to thecart 150. In various embodiments the base frame 1200 may comprise ametal material (e.g., aluminum, steel, and/or the like), although othermaterials, such as plastic materials, composite materials, and/or thelike may be utilized.

Referring again to FIG. 2G, the retractable support base 1000 furthercomprises an outrigger member 1010 rotatably secured to the base frame1200. In various embodiments, the outrigger member 1010 may be anelongated member (e.g., a tube, beam, or the like) configured to rotateabout a pivot axis 1100 extending vertically through the base frame1200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2F, the outrigger member1010 comprises a single elongated member rotatably secured to the baseframe 1200 such that the elongated member is configured to rotate aboutthe pivot axis 1100 at a point between the front portion and the rearportion of the outrigger member.

As noted above, the front portion and the rear portion of the outriggermember 1010 are configured to extend beyond the front and rear of thecart frame 160 in the extended configuration to provide additionalsupport to prevent the cart 150 from tipping. Accordingly, when the cart150 is tipped at an angle of 10 degrees measured against the horizontalsupport surface in accordance with UL 751, the center of gravity of thecart 150 remains above the enlarged base of the cart 150, causing thecart to return to an upright position when released. As an example, inthe extended configuration, the front portion of the outrigger member1010 may extend at least 3 inches beyond the front edge of the cartframe 160, and the rear portion of the outrigger member may extend atleast 2 inches beyond the rear edge of the cart frame 160. As shown inFIGS. 2E-2F and 2H, the outrigger member 1010 is configured to rotatesuch that the front and rear portions of the outrigger member arepositioned completely within the perimeter of the cart 150 when theoutrigger member is in the retracted configuration. Accordingly, thecart 150 may be positioned within the housing 50, and the outriggermember 1010 may be positioned such that it does not interfere with thefunctionality of other portions of the dispenser 7 (e.g., the use of thesecurity bar 430 described in detail herein).

In various embodiments, the retractable support base 1000 additionallycomprises a support plate 1101 adjacent the top surface of theretractable support base 1000. In various embodiments, the support plate1101 provides additional support to the retractable support base 1000proximate the pivot axis 1100 to prevent bending or flexing of the baseframe 1200 during use.

FIG. 2I illustrates an alternative outrigger configuration of aretractable support base 1000. As shown in FIG. 2I, an outrigger member1010 a is configured with an offset configuration to facilitate storageof a plurality of carts 150 in close proximity. For example, as shown inFIG. 2I, the outrigger member 1010 a comprises an “L” shaped endportion, wherein a portion of the “L” shaped end portion is at leastsubstantially parallel with a main portion of the outrigger member andwherein the outrigger wheels 1011 a, 1021 a are secured to an endportion of the “L” shaped end portion. Such an offset outriggerconfiguration permits two at least substantially identical carts 150each having a retractable support base 1000 to be placed adjacent oneanother (both with their retractable support bases 1000 in an extendedconfiguration) such that the front of a first cart 150 is immediatelyadjacent the back of a second cart 150 and the sides of the carts are atleast substantially aligned. In such an adjacent configuration, thefront portion of the outrigger member 1010 a of the first cart 150 isbeside the rear portion of the outrigger member 1010 a of the secondcart 150. At least a portion of the front outrigger member 1010 a of thefirst cart 150 and the rear portion of the outrigger member 1010 a ofthe second cart may extend under the opposite cart, and the outriggermembers of the first cart and the second cart are at least partiallynested.

Referring again to FIG. 2G, each of the front portion and the rearportion of the outrigger member 1010, have a wheel 1011, 1021 securedthereto. In various embodiments, each of the wheels 1011, 1021 beconfigured to rotate about a vertical axis extending through the wheel1011, 1021 such that the direction of travel of the wheel may correspondto the direction of travel of the cart 150. Moreover, in variousembodiments, the wheels 1011, 1021 may be positioned such that thebottom edge of the wheels 1011, 1021 do not contact a horizontal supportsurface when all of the wheels 74-77 are in contact with the horizontalsupport surface. In various embodiments, at least one of the outriggerwheels 1011, 1021 may be configured to contact a horizontal supportsurface when the cart 150 is tipped at an angle less than 10 degrees. Ina particular embodiment, at least one of the outrigger wheels contactsthe horizontal support surface when the cart 150 is tipped at an angleof less than 5 degrees. Such a configuration ensures that the wheels1011, 1021 of the retractable support base 1000 do not impede movementof the cart 150 during normal operation.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2G, each of the front portion andrear portions of the outrigger member 1010 additionally comprise astability pin 1012, 1022. As shown in FIG. 2G, the stability pin 1012,1022 extends vertically from the outrigger member 1010 and through a pinguide channel 1013, 1023 in the base frame 1200. As shown in FIG. 2G,the pin guide channels 1013, 1023 have an arcuate shape corresponding tothe travel path of the corresponding stability pin 1012, 1022 when theoutrigger member 1010 rotates between the extended configuration of FIG.2G and the retracted configuration shown in FIG. 2H.

In various embodiments, the outrigger member 1010 may be biased to anextended configuration to provide an enlarged and stable base for thecart 150 when the cart 150 is being moved by a user. Accordingly, theretractable support base 1000 further comprises an outrigger biasingmechanism configured to bias the outrigger member 1010 to the extendedconfiguration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2G, the biasing systemcomprises a return spring 1110 secured to a portion of the base frame1200 and to the stability pin 1012 of the front portion of the outriggermember 1010 corresponding to the front of the cart 150. As shown in FIG.2H, the return spring 1110 is configured to stretch and impart a returnforce on the stability pin 1012 when the outrigger member 1010 isrotated away from the extended configuration, and to thereby bias theoutrigger member 1010 to the extended configuration.

Moreover, the retractable support base 1000 may include a latchmechanism 1050 configured to selectably lock the outrigger member 1010in the extended configuration. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2G,the latch mechanism 1050 comprises a mechanically actuated latch 1051configured to engage the stability pin 1022 corresponding to the rear ofthe outrigger member 1010 and thereby prevent the stability pin 1022from rotating toward the retracted configuration. In variousembodiments, the mechanically actuated latch 1051 may be configured todisengage the support pin 1022 in response to a force applied to arelease device 1055. For example, as will be described in greater detailherein, the release device 1055 may be configured to engage acorresponding latch release member 391 on the housing 50, and therebyrelease the support pin 1022 such that the outrigger member 1010 mayrotate to the retracted configuration while the cart 150 is insertedinto the housing 50. In various embodiments, the latch 1051 and releasedevice 1055 may comprise any suitable commercially available latch andrelease mechanism.

Dispenser Housing Configured to Receive an Item Supporting Cart

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a dispenser 7 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispenser 7 generallyincludes a housing 50, an access door 60, and a control system 70. Theaccess door 60 is configured to slide laterally relative to the housing50 in order to prevent or permit access to an interior portion of thehousing 50. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 50 includes apartially open lower perimeter configured to permit a movable storagecart 150 to be moved into and out of the housing 50. Accordingly, theaccess door 60 is operatively connected to the housing 50 along itsupper edge 402 a, and is secured to a security bar 430 along its loweredge 402 b. To restrict access to authorized users only, the dispensercomprises one or more door locking mechanisms 170 generally configuredto lock and unlock the access door 60 based on input received from auser (e.g., via a mechanical key, and/or via user input provided to thecontrol mechanism 70).

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing 50 includes a pairof side panels 302, an upper panel 304, a rear cross bar 306 (shown inFIG. 6), and a cart guide mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3, the side panels 302 define a first side portion and a secondside portion of the housing, and the rear cross bar 306 (or rear panel,as discussed herein) defines a rear portion of the housing. The sidepanels 302, the upper panel 304, and the rear cross bar 306 may beformed from any suitable structural material (e.g., metal orhigh-strength plastics). The side panels 302, the upper panel 304, andthe rear cross bar 306 may comprise separately connected components, ormay be formed from a single piece of shaped structural material.Similarly, components of the cart guide mechanism (e.g., rear horizontalguide rail 308) may be formed from any suitable structural material(e.g., metal or high-strength plastics), and may comprise variousseparately connected components. When placed such that the rear of thehousing is adjacent to a wall or other vertical surface at least aslarge as the housing 50, the components 302-306 define an interiorportion accessible through an access opening 310. In the illustratedembodiment, the housing's interior portion is dimensioned for receivinga movable storage cart 150 configured for supporting various items. Invarious embodiments, the upper panel 304 can be replaced with an upperframe extending over the entire top of the housing or a substantialportion thereof. Moreover, in various embodiments, the rear cross bar306 can be replaced with a rear panel that covers all or substantiallyall of the back of the housing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the security bar 430 is adjustable betweena retention position, in which the security bar 430 prevents a movablestorage cart 150 from being moved into or removed from the interior areaof the housing 50, and an access position, in which the security bar 430does not prevent the moveable storage cart 150 from being moved into orremoved from the interior area of the housing 50. For example, FIG. 4shows the dispenser 7 with its security bar 430 in an access position,while FIGS. 3 and 5 show the dispenser 7 with its security bar 430 in aretention position.

According to various embodiments, the dispenser's access door 60 isoperatively connected to the housing 50 adjacent the housing's accessopening 310, and comprises a flexible barrier 402, a vertical supportmember 410, and an item access mechanism 440. In various embodiments,the access door 60 is configured to slide laterally between an openposition, in which the access door 60 permits access to the entirety ofthe interior portion of the housing 50, and a closed position, in whichthe access door 60 prevents access to the entirety of the interiorportion of the housing 50, and only the item access mechanism 440 mayallow access to a portion of the interior of the housing 50. Forexample, FIG. 3 illustrates the access door 60 in a closed position,while FIG. 4 illustrates the access door 60 in an open positionaccording to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiments, the accessdoor's flexible barrier 402 may comprise a fabric sheet made of atear-resistant material (e.g., ballistic nylon, polyester, Kevlar®fabric). However, the flexible barrier may be formed from any flexiblematerial of suitable durability and strength. Moreover, the accessdoor's vertical support member 410 is generally rigid and comprised of ahigh-strength material, such as steel or aluminum. However, as will beappreciated from the description herein, the vertical support member 410may be comprised of various materials of suitable strength and rigidity.As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are intended torefer to components oriented generally vertically or generallyhorizontally. Although such components may be oriented exactlyvertically or horizontally with respect to a support surface, the termsvertical and horizontal are not intended to indicate that such an exactorientation is required.

Although not shown, the upper edge 402 a of the flexible barrier 402 isoperatively connected to the housing 50 by a first plurality of doorattachment members (e.g., a first set of openings extending through theflexible barrier, and/or a first set of rings). FIG. 3 shows an exteriorview of an upper portion of the flexible barrier 402. In variousembodiments, a first set of rings are disposed along the flexiblebarrier's upper edge 402 a and are engaged with an upper horizontalsupport member comprising an upper horizontal guide rod. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the upper horizontal support memberis positioned behind an upper front panel 307 of the housing 50, suchthat a user is unable to fit a hand between the upper front pane 307 andthe horizontal support member, and thereby access the interior of thehousing 50. Moreover, the item access mechanism 440 may be slidablysecured to the horizontal support member. For example, the item accessmechanism 440 may comprise an upper bushing (not shown) secured to anupper portion of the item access mechanism 440 and configured toslidably couple the item access mechanism 440 to the housing 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first side edge 402 c of the flexible barrier 402is attached to the vertical support member 410. In particular, in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the flexible barrier's first side edge402 c is clamped between a C-shaped attachment member 408 secured to thevertical support member 410. However, as will be appreciated from thedescription herein, the flexible barrier's first side edge 402 c can beattached to the vertical support member 410 with various otherattachment devices or methods (e.g., using an adhesive or a plurality offastening devices).

In addition, the second side edge 402 d of the flexible barrier isattached to the housing 10 adjacent the second lateral side 110 d of theaccess opening 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the flexible barrier's secondside edge 402 d is clamped between a C-shaped attachment member 409secured to the housing 50 along the access opening's second lateral side110 d. However, as will be appreciated from the description herein, theflexible barrier's second side edge 402 d can be attached to the housing50 with various other attachment devices or methods (e.g., using anadhesive or a plurality of fastening devices).

Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, a first intermediate side 402 eand second intermediate side 402 f of the flexible barrier are attachedto opposite sides of the item access mechanism 440. As shown in FIG. 3,the first and second intermediate sides 402 e, 402 f of the flexiblebarrier are each clamped between a respective C-shaped attachment member441 e, 441 f secured to the item access mechanism along a first andsecond vertical side 440 e, 440 f of the item access mechanism 440.

In various embodiments, the vertical support member 410 is configured toslide laterally relative to the housing 50 in order to permit the accessdoor 60 to move between its open and closed positions. The verticalsupport member 410 may be slidably connected to the housing 50 at itsupper end by an upper sliding assembly configured to slide along theupper horizontal support member. In various embodiments, the lower endof the vertical support member 410 is slideably connected to a lowersecurity bar 430. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the access door 60 can be movedto its open position while the lower security bar 430 remains in itsretention position. As will be appreciated from FIG. 5, with the lowersecurity bar 430 in its access position and the access door 60 in itsopen position, the security bar 430 does not obstruct the dispenser'saccess opening 110 and user access to the interior portion of thehousing 50 is permitted (e.g., such that a storage cart 150 can bewheeled into the dispenser 7 and one or more items can be placed on orremoved from the storage cart 150).

The security bar 430 includes a movable joint located between the twoends of the security bar 430. The movable joint allows the security bar430 to be moved between the retention and access positions. In variousembodiments, the movable joint may comprise a universal joint. Thesecurity bar 430 is generally rigid and composed of a high-strengthmetal material, such as steel or aluminum. However, as will beappreciated from the description herein, the security bar 430 may becomposed of various materials of suitable strength and rigidity.

In certain embodiments, the lower edge 402 b of the flexible barrier 402is operatively connected to the lower security bar 430 by a secondplurality of door attachment members (e.g., a second set of rings 404).As shown in FIG. 3, the second set of rings 404 are disposed along theflexible barrier's lower edge 402 b and are engaged with the lowersecurity bar 430. Accordingly, the flexible barrier 402 is secured tothe housing 50 by the upper attachment members engaging the upperhorizontal support member and the second set of rings 404 engaging thesecurity bar 430, such that the flexible barrier 402 extendssubstantially across the height of the access opening 110 and islaterally movable between the aforementioned open and closed positions.Similarly, the lower end of the item access mechanism 440 may beslidably secured to the security bar 430. For example, a lower bushing446 may be coupled to a lower portion of the item access mechanism 440and may slidably secure the item access mechanism 440 to the securitybar 430.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 3, with the lower security bar 430 inits retention position and the access door 60 in its closed position,the lower security bar 430 substantially prevents unauthorized usersfrom lifting or otherwise tampering with the bottom edge of the accessdoor's flexible barrier 402.

In the open position shown in FIG. 5, the vertical support member 410 ismoved laterally toward the access opening's second lateral side 110 d.With the vertical support member 410 moved to the open position shown inFIG. 5, the flexible barrier 402 is compressed into a plurality of foldsand the item access mechanism 440 is positioned proximate the secondlateral side 110 d of the access opening, and collectively thecomponents of the flexible barrier 402 do not obstruct access to theinterior portion of the housing 50 through the access opening 110.

According to various embodiments, the aforementioned components of theaccess door 60 enable the access door 60 to be easily moved by a userbetween the open and closed positions of FIGS. 3 and 4, and allowselective access to a portion of the interior of the housing 50 via theitem access mechanism 440.

In various embodiments, the dispenser 7 includes a door lockingmechanism 170 configured to lock the access door 60 in its closedposition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, thedoor locking mechanism 170 is secured to a portion of the housing 50adjacent the access opening's first lateral side 110 c. In theillustrated embodiment, the door locking mechanism 170 includes at leastone latch positioned within a portion of the housing and configured toengage a corresponding at least one door locking member supported on thevertical support member 410. In particular, the door locking mechanism170 is configured such that, when the access door 60 is moved to itsfully closed position as shown in FIG. 3, the door locking mechanism'slatch engages the door locking member and prevents the access door 60from being moved out of its closed position. As a non-limiting example,the door locking mechanism may comprise an upper latch positionedproximate the upper perimeter of the access opening 110 and a lowerlatch positioned proximate the lower perimeter of the access opening110. Each of the upper latch and the lower latch are configured toengage a corresponding upper locking member and lower locking membercoupled to the vertical support member 410.

To unlock the access door 60 from its closed position, the door lockingmechanism 170 disengages its at least one latch from the at least onedoor locking member. In various embodiments, this can be accomplishedautomatically or manually. For example, in certain embodiments, a keyedmechanism may be provided that enables a user to insert a key into akeyhole provided on the housing 50 and disengage the door lockingmechanism's at least one latch by turning the key. In addition, a leveror button mechanism configured to mechanically disengage the at leastone latch may be used.

In other embodiments, the dispenser's control system 70 may beconfigured to control the door locking mechanism 170. In variousembodiments, the control system 70 comprises a computing device (e.g., aprocessor and memory) configured to interface with one or more userinput devices disposed on the exterior of the housing (e.g., a keypad, acard reader, an RFID reader, and/or the like). For example, in theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the control system 70 iscontained in a small housing proximate an exterior face of one of thedispenser side panels 302 and includes a user interface 72 comprising akeypad, a card reader, and a display screen.

In various embodiments, the door locking mechanism 170 may include asolenoid or other electromechanical device configured to actuate thelocking mechanism's latches in response to a control signal receivedfrom the control system 70. Thus, in one embodiment, the control system70 is configured to actuate the door locking mechanisms' latches tounlock the closed access door 60 in response to receiving valid userinput (e.g., a card swipe from a card assigned to an authorized user, oran authorization code entered via the key pad). By preventing the accessdoor 60 from being unlocked by a user unable to provide such valid userinput, the control system 70 and locking mechanism 170 are able toprevent access to items stored in the interior portion of the housing50. In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism 170 may also includethe aforementioned mechanical unlocking system as a redundant back-upmethod for unlocking the access door 60 when the automated controlsystem 70 fails. As will be appreciated from the description herein,various embodiments of the door locking mechanism 170 may includevarious locking mechanisms suitable for securing the access door 60 inits closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the access door 60 comprises anitem access mechanism 440. As illustrated, the item access mechanism 440is disposed within the access door 60 between a first portion of theflexible barrier 405 and a second portion of the flexible barrier 406.Thus, when the access door 60 is in the closed position, the combinationof the first portion of the flexible barrier 405, the second portion ofthe flexible barrier 406, and the item access mechanism 440 cover theentirety of the access opening 110 such that access to the interior ofthe dispenser 50 is prevented. Moreover, each of the first portion ofthe flexible barrier 405 and the second portion of the flexible barrier406 may be configured such that each portion may, individually, at leastsubstantially cover the access opening 110. Thus, as the item accessmechanism 440 is moved between the first side of the access opening 110c and the second side of the access opening 110 d, as will be describedherein, the first portion of the flexible barrier 405 and the secondportion of the flexible barrier 406 collectively prevents access to theinterior of the housing 50.

Moreover, as illustrated, a side of the first portion of the flexiblebarrier 405 and a side of the second portion of the flexible barrier 406are secured to first and second sides of the item access mechanism 440,respectively. Each of the first and second portion of the flexiblebarrier may be secured to the item access mechanism 440 using mechanismssimilar to those described herein as securing the flexible barrier 402to the housing 50 and the vertical guide bar 410.

In the illustrated embodiment, the item access mechanism 440 isconfigured to be moved laterally relative to the access opening 110. Asshown in FIGS. 3-5, the item access mechanism 440 comprises a handle442, such that a user may manually reposition the item access mechanism440 during use. Moreover, in various embodiments, the item accessmechanism 440 further comprises a position locking mechanism (notshown), such that when the item access mechanism 440 is positioned in adesired lateral position, the position locking mechanism may be engagedand thereby prevent the item access mechanism 440 from being moved awayfrom the desired lateral position. In various embodiments, the positionlocking mechanism may comprise a solenoid configured to selectivelyextend a locking member into one of the recesses 149 defined along theposition guide bar 148 of the cart 150. For example, the positionlocking mechanism may comprise a position locking mechanism as describedin commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/042,612, entitled“Item Dispensing Apparatus,” filed on Sep. 30, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the desired lateralposition is indicated to a user via one or more position indicatorlights 309 disposed in the dispenser (e.g., on the upper front panel307). According to various embodiments, the position indicator lights309 may be—for example—a marking (e.g., a printed arrow) or a light(e.g., an arrow-shaped light illuminated by an LED). As illustrated,each of the plurality of indicator lights 309 corresponds to a verticalcolumn of receptacles in the cart 150, and indicates a desired lateralposition determined by the control system 70 to a user. Thus, asillustrated the plurality of indicator lights 309 indicates a lateralposition of the item access mechanism 440 to the user. As will bedescribed in greater detail herein, once the user moves the item accessmechanism 440 to the indicated lateral position (e.g., a lateralposition at which an alignment indicator on the item access mechanism(not shown) is aligned by an illuminated indicator light 309), the itemaccess mechanism 440 may be locked in position by the position lockingmechanism.

As illustrated, the item access mechanism 440 comprises an upper itemaccess door 443 a and a lower item access door 443 b. Thus, the upperitem access door 443 a is configured to selectively grant access to atleast one receptacle located in a upper portion of the cart 150 (as willbe described in greater detail herein), and the lower item access door443 b is configured to selectively grant access to at least onereceptacle located in a lower portion of the cart 150. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the height and vertical location ofthe upper item access door 443 a correspond at least substantially withthe height and vertical location of the upper portion of the cart 150,and the height and vertical location of the lower item access door 443 bcorrespond at least substantially with the height and vertical locationof the lower portion of the cart 150.

The upper item access door 443 a may comprise an access panel and areceptacle selection mechanism comprising a movable panel having anaperture therein. In various embodiments, the aperture is sized suchthat, when the aperture is aligned with a subset of receptacles in thecart, a user may be provided access to the subset of receptacles throughthe aperture, but no adjacent receptacles. For example, the aperture issized at least substantially the same as the access opening of areceptacle, such that when the aperture is aligned with the accessopening of the receptacle, a user is provided access to the entirety ofthe receptacle such that an item stored therein may be removed from thereceptacle through the aperture.

The movable panel may be configured to move vertically, such that theaperture may be aligned with a horizontal row of receptacles. Thus, whenthe item access mechanism 440 is aligned horizontally relative to theaccess opening of the dispenser such that the aperture is alignedhorizontally with a receptacle, a user may be provided access to asingle receptacle through the upper access door 443 a.

In various embodiments, the access panel is configured to be locked andthus prevent a user from opening the access panel to access the apertureuntil the item access mechanism 440 is positioned laterally at thedesired lateral location and locked in the desired lateral location, andthe moving panel of the upper access door 443 a is positioned such thatthe aperture is aligned with a determined receptacle in the cart. Thus,a user may be prevented from opening the access panel until the apertureis aligned with a determined receptacle.

The lower item access door 443 b may have a configuration at leastsubstantially similar to that described above in reference to the upperitem access door 443 a. Thus, the lower item access door 443 b maycomprise an access panel and a movable panel having an aperture therein,wherein the movable panel is configured to move vertically and therebyalign the aperture with a horizontal row of receptacles in the cart 150.As described above in reference to the upper item access door 443 a, theaccess panel of the lower item access door 443 b may be configured toremain locked until the item access mechanism 440 is positionedlaterally at the desired lateral location and locked in the desiredlateral location, and the moving panel of the lower item access door 443b is positioned such that the aperture is aligned with a determinedreceptacle in the cart 150. Thus, when the item access mechanism 440 isaligned horizontally relative to the access opening 110 of the dispenser50 such that the aperture is aligned horizontally with a receptacle, auser may be provided access to a single receptacle through the loweraccess door 443 b.

In various embodiments, the movable panel of the item access mechanism440 may comprise a selector mechanism provided behind the access doors443 a, 443 b, such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/042,612. Thus, the selector mechanism may be configured to restrictaccess to only certain receptacles of the cart 150. For example, theselector mechanism may comprise a vertically moveable plate configuredto slide vertically relative to the item access mechanism 440. The platemay comprise an upper edge attached to a flexible upper barrier and alower edge attached to a flexible lower barrier. The plate may define anupper aperture and a lower aperture each dimensioned such that a usercan access an item disposed within a receptacle through one of theapertures.

Collectively, the upper item access door 443 a and the lower item accessdoor 443 b are configured to provide access to a subset of items storedin the upper portion of the cart 150 and to a subset of items stored inthe lower portion of the cart 150. As a non-limiting example, the itemaccess mechanism 440 may be configured to provide a user with access toa shirt stored in a receptacle in the upper portion of the cart 150 andpants stored in a receptacle in the lower portion of the cart 150.

In various embodiments, the item access mechanism 440 is incommunication with the control system 70 such that the control system 70can provide instructions to the item access mechanism 440 regarding oneor more receptacles to be accessed by a user. The control system 70 isthen configured to instruct the item access mechanism 440 to move themovable panel of the upper item access door 443 a to a desired verticallocation; to move the movable panel of the lower item access door 443 bto a desired vertical location; and to lock the item access mechanism440 in a desired lateral location.

Cart Engagement Mechanism

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate various cart engagement mechanisms for securing acart 150 in a desired position within a dispenser 7. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 6, the housing 50 of the dispenser 7 comprises ahorizontal guide rail 308 extending substantially around the interiorperimeter of the housing 50, a guide pin 313 coupled to a first side ofthe interior of the housing 50 and configured to engage a pin guideblock 154 secured to the cart 150, and a cart locking mechanism 312configured to engage a locking member 153 secured to the cart 150.

As shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal guide rail 308 is configured toengage a corresponding guide strip 151 a secured to the horizontal guiderail 151 of the cart 150 to facilitate movement of the cart 150 into thehousing 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal guide rail 308 comprisesone or more horizontal bars configured to engage a corresponding portionof the cart 150 (e.g., horizontal guide rail 151). At least one of thehorizontal guide rail 308 and the corresponding portion of the cart(e.g., horizontal guide rail 151) has a low-friction slide block 151 asecured thereto, which comprises a low-friction plastic materialconfigured to facilitate sliding of the cart 150 along the length of thehorizontal guide rail 308.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the horizontal guide rail 308 extends such that aportion of the horizontal guide rail is parallel with the first sidepanel 302 of the dispenser 7 to form a cart stop 314. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 7A, the cart stop 314 is configured to engage aportion of the cart 150 (e.g., a portion of the cart frame 160) andthereby prevent the cart 150 from moving laterally within the housing 50in a direction toward the first side of the dispenser 7. Thus, uponplacement of the cart 150 in a desired position within the housing 50,the cart stop 314 prevents the cart 150 from being repositioned in adirection toward the first side of the dispenser 7.

Moreover, as shown in detail in FIG. 7B, the housing 50 may also includea guide pin 313 secured to a bottom portion of a first side of thehousing 50 and configured to engage a pin guide block 154 secured to thecart 150. As shown in FIG. 7B, the guide pin 313 comprises a cylinder313 a extending in a direction parallel to the back of the housing 50,and a bracket 313 b secured to the cylinder 313 a and configured tocouple the cylinder 313 a to the dispenser 50. As shown in FIG. 7B, thebracket 313 b may be coupled to the dispenser using one or morefasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, and/or the like).

The corresponding pin guide block 154 comprises a solid block secured toa first side of the cart 150 within the perimeter of the cart 150, andhaving a hole extending at least partially through the block in adirection parallel to the back of the cart 150. The pin guide block 154is positioned such that when the cart 150 is in the desired position,and a portion of the cart 150 is in contact with the cart stop 314, atleast a portion of the cylinder 313 a is positioned within the holeextending through the block 154. Thus, the guide pin 313 impedesmovement of the first side of the cart in a direction substantiallyparallel to the first side of the housing 50. A portion of the surfaceof the cylinder 313 a is configured to engage a corresponding portion ofthe interior surface of the hole upon the application of a force to thefirst side of the cart 150 in a direction parallel to the first side ofthe housing 50. Moreover, the configuration of the pin 313 and the pinguide block 154 do not prevent contact between the cart frame 160 andthe cart stop 314.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7C, which provides a close-up perspectiveview of additional cart guide mechanisms located proximate the secondside of the access opening 110 d, the item access mechanism 440 maycomprise a guide 444 configured to engage a guide rail 155 located neara front bottom edge of the cart 150. As shown in FIG. 7C, the guide 444comprises a guide block having a slot extending therethrough in adirection parallel to the entrance opening 110. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 7C, the slot is configured to engage the guide rail155, and thereby facilitate placement of the cart 150 within the housing50, and provide additional security against unauthorized entry into theinterior of the housing 50 when a cart 150 is located therein. As shownin FIG. 7C, the guide 444 additionally comprises a bracket configured tosupport the guide block and to couple the guide 444 to the item accessmechanism 440. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7C, the item access mechanism440 comprises an anti-twist block 445 secured to an interior surface ofthe item access mechanism 440 and configured to engage a portion of thecart 150 upon the application of a force to a bottom portion of the itemaccess mechanism 440. For example, upon an unauthorized user pushingagainst the bottom portion of the item access mechanism 440 while a cart150 is located in the housing 50, the anti-twist block 445 engages abottom portion of the cart 150 while the guide 444 engages a portion ofthe guide bar 155, and thereby prevent the item access mechanism 440from being moved toward an interior of the housing 50. When the cart 150is not located within the housing 50, or when the item access mechanism440 is proximate a second side of the access opening 110 d, the guide isconfigured to engage a locator bracket 315 secured to the housing 50.Thus, the locator bracket 315 prevents the item access mechanism 440from being dislocated toward an interior of the housing 50 when no cart150 is located within the housing 50.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 6, the cart 150comprises a locking member 153 configured to engage a locking mechanism312 secured to the dispenser. Generally, the locking mechanism 312serves to selectively secure the cart 150 in its desired position withinthe housing 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the cart lockingmechanism 312 includes a latch 312 a, which is pivotably connected tothe housing 50, and a wire 312 b, which operatively connects the latchto a user engagement mechanism 312 c configured to release the latch 312a upon the application of a force applied by a user. The latch 312 aextends into the interior of the housing 50 so as to engage the lockingmember 153 positioned within the perimeter of the cart 150.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 8, which shows a close-up view of thelocking mechanism 312, the latch 312 a is configured to engage thelocking member 153 supported by a bracket secured to a back portion ofthe cart 150 (e.g., supported by the horizontal guide rail 151 andwithin the perimeter of the cart 150). Specifically, the cart lockingmechanism 312 is configured such that, when the cart 150 is moved to itsdesired position, the cart locking mechanism's latch 312 a engages thelocking member 153 and prevents the cart 150 from being moved out of itsdesired position. As will be described in greater detail herein, as thecart 150 is moved into the desired position, the cart 150 slides alongthe angled guide rail 311 of the guide bar 308, and therefore themovement of the locking member 153 has a movement vector parallel to theside wall of the housing 50, such that the latch 312 a of the cartlocking mechanism may engage the locking member 153 of the cart 150.

Moreover, as will be discussed in detail in reference to FIGS. 9-13, thehousing 50 may additionally include a front placement guide 316 and arear placement guide 317 configured to facilitate movement of the cart150 into and out of the housing 50 by engaging the front guide roller156 and the rear guide roller 157. The front placement guide 316 has acurved, generally concave guide surface 316 a configured to direct thecart 150 from a first direction in which the cart is angled into thedispenser 7 to a second direction in which the cart is angled such thatthe first side 44 of the cart 150 is directed toward the cart stop 314and the second side of the cart is directed toward the rear of thedispenser 7. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7D, whichillustrates a top view of the first side of the dispenser with the toppanel 304 removed, the front placement guide 316 additionally comprisesa guide slot 156 b configured to accept the front guide roller 156 ofthe cart 150 when the cart is in a fully-inserted position within thehousing 50. When the front guide roller 156 is positioned within theguide slot 156 b, the guide slot 156 b prevents an upper portion of thecart 150 from tipping forward toward the access opening 110. Thus, inthe event the cart 150 begins to tip forward while in the fully insertedposition within the housing 50, the front guide roller 156 engages aninterior surface of the guide slot 156 b and is thereby prevented frommoving toward the access opening 110.

Similarly, the rear placement guide 317 comprises an angled guidesurface 317 a configured to facilitate movement of the cart out of thedispenser 7 by engaging the rear guide roller 157. Thus, when engagedwith the rear guide roller 157, the rear placement guide 317 directs thecart 150 away from the cart stop 314 and through the access opening 110.In various embodiments, the front placement guide 316 and rear placementguide 317 are secured to an upper portion of the housing 50 such thatthe front and rear guide rollers 156, which extend vertically away froma ceiling of the cart 150 are configured to engage the front and rearplacement guides 316, 317 during insertion and removal of the cart 150.

In various embodiments, the housing 50 may additionally comprise one ormore features for operating the retractable support base 1000 of a cart150. As shown in FIG. 8A, the housing 50 comprises a latch releasemember 391 secured to a back portion of the housing 50 and configured toengage the release device 1055 of the retractable support base 1000 andthereby release the support pin 1022 and permit the outrigger member1010 to rotate away from the extended configuration and toward theretracted configuration. As shown in FIG. 8A, the latch release member391 comprises an angled release surface configured to apply a force tomaintain the latch 1050 in the open configuration as the cart 150 isguided into the housing 50.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8A, the housing 50 additionally comprises apivot actuating member 392 secured to a back portion of the housing 50and configured to engage the outrigger member 1010 and thereby pivot theoutrigger member toward the retracted configuration as the cart 150 isguided into the housing 50.

As shown in FIG. 8B, while the cart 150 is being inserted into thehousing 50, and after the latch release member 391 engages the releasedevice 1055 and thereby releases the latch 1050 such that the outriggermember 1010 is permitted to rotate toward the retracted configuration,the pivot actuating member 392 engages the rear portion of the outriggermember 1010 to pivot the outrigger member 1010 toward the retractedconfiguration. Referring now to FIG. 8C, which illustrates a rear viewof the housing 50 while a cart 150 is being inserted therein, the pivotactuating member 392 is configured to remain in contact with the rearportion of the outrigger member 1010 while the cart 150 is positionedwithin the housing 50. Accordingly, the pivot actuating member 392prevents the outrigger member 1010 from rotating away from the retractedconfiguration while the cart 150 is positioned within the housing 50, asshown in FIG. 8D, which illustrates a cart 150 positioned in the fullyinserted position within the housing 50 with the retractable supportbase 1000 in the retracted configuration.

When removing the cart 150 from the housing 50, the biasing system ofthe retractable support base 1000 causes the outrigger member 1010 tomove toward the extended configuration, thereby forming a larger, morestable base for the cart 150 when removed from the housing 50. As theoutrigger member 1010 rotates to the extended configuration under theforce applied by the biasing system (e.g., biasing spring 1110), therear stability pin 1022 engages the latch mechanism 1050 to therebyselectively latch the outrigger member 1010 in the extendedconfiguration.

Accordingly, the movement between the extended configuration and theretracted configuration occurs while the cart 150 is being positionedwithin the housing 50, but does not require any specific userinteraction to cause the retractable support base 1000 to rotate.Similarly, the retractable support base 1000 rotates from the retractedconfiguration to the extended configuration upon removal of the cart 150from the housing 50 without any specific user interaction.

Exemplary Placement of a Cart within a Dispenser

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate an example of the general operation of thedispenser's guide apparatus and a method for inserting a moveablestorage cart 150 into the dispenser 7. In particular, the illustratedexample shows steps for inserting a movable cart 150 into the housing ofthe dispenser. The cart 150 includes two substantially fixed (e.g.,non-swiveling) front wheels 74-75, two swiveling rear wheels 76-77, andmay, in certain embodiments, additionally comprise a front guide roller156, and a rear guide roller 157. However, it should be understood thatsimilar techniques may be used in conjunction with carts having othercombinations and types of wheels (e.g., two front swiveling wheels andtwo rear swiveling wheels).

Beginning with the illustration of FIG. 9, the dispenser 7 is firstconfigured by a user such that the access door 60 is moved to its openposition and the security bar 230 is moved to its access position. Theuser next positions the cart 150 as shown in FIG. 9 so that the cart'sfixed, front wheels 74, 75 are substantially aligned such that the cart150 will move into the interior of the dispenser 7 at an angle relativeto the access opening 110, and the front guide roller 156 will engagethe front placement guide 316. As shown in FIG. 9, when aligned prior toinsertion of the cart 150 into the dispenser 7, the cart 150 is orientedsuch that the longitudinal axis of the cart 150 is at an angle betweenabout 10 and 80 degrees with respect to a plane defined by the housing'saccess opening 110. When oriented prior to insertion into the dispenser7, the cart 150 is positioned such that at least part of the storagecart 150 is located within the interior area of the housing 50. Invarious embodiments, the cart 150 may be positioned within the interiorof the housing 50 without the placement guides 316, 317 andcorresponding guide rollers 156, 157.

As shown in FIG. 9, the user next pushes the cart 150 such that itsfront guide roller 156 engages the front wall of the front placementguide 316 a. As shown in FIG. 9, the front wall of the front placementguide 316 a is curved so as to facilitate placement of the cart 150 intothe interior of the housing 50. The cart 150 is moved until the secondrear corner of the cart, defined as the location where the rear side andthe second lateral side of the body meet is positioned such that thesecond lateral side of the access opening is not aligned with a portionof the cart in a direction parallel to the second side of the dispenser.In transitioning from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the position shownin FIG. 10, the front guide roller 156 follows the curvature of thefront wall of the front placement guide 316 a, and thereby the cart isguided into the interior of the housing 50 as a user pushes the cartinto housing 50. In various embodiments, the cart 150 may be moved intothe interior of the housing 50 such that a portion of the horizontalguide bar 151 of the cart 150 contacts the horizontal guide bar 308, andslides along the surface of the horizontal guide bar 308 as the cart 150is being maneuvered into the interior of the housing 50.

Next, the user pushes the rear portion of the cart 150 toward the rearof the dispenser 7. As shown in FIG. 10, this causes the cart'sswiveling, rear wheels 76, 77 to rotate from (1) a first orientation inwhich the cart's rear wheels 76, 77 are substantially parallel to thecart's front wheels 74, 75 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9) to (2) a secondorientation in which the cart's rear wheels 76, 77 are oriented totravel toward the rear of the dispenser (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

Next, the user pushes the rear portion of the cart 150 such that cart150 rotates into the dispenser's housing 50 and is guided by the cartguide rail 308 such that the cart 150 generally slides along the angledguide rail 311 until the cart 150 is entirely within the dispenser 7. Inparticular, as the user pushes the rear portion of the cart 150, thesecond rear corner of the cart contacts the angled guide rail 311 (asshown in FIG. 12) and continues to slide until a portion of rear of thecart adjacent the second rear corner is in contact with the guide bar308. Thus, as the second rear corner slides along the angled guide rail311, the cart 150 moves both laterally relative to the dispenser 7(e.g., in a direction parallel to the rear of the dispenser) and intothe dispenser 7 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the side walls of thedispenser), such that the cart 150 is moved toward the cart stop 314 andthe guide pin 313.

In the resulting loaded position shown in FIG. 12, the cart 150 is fullyinserted within the interior area of the dispenser's housing 50. In theloaded position, the first side of the cart is located substantiallyadjacent and parallel to the cart stop 314, the rear side of the cart islocated substantially adjacent and parallel to the rear portion of theguide member 308, and the chamfered locator angle 152 of the cart 150 islocated substantially adjacent and parallel to the angled guide rail 311of the cart guide member 308. As a result, the access door 60 can bemoved to its closed position and the security bar 230 moved to itsretention position in order to resume normal use of the dispenser 7.Additionally, in the loaded position shown in FIG. 12, the cart lockingmember 153 is engaged with the cart locking mechanism 312 such that thecart is prevented from moving within the interior of the dispenser 7 andcan thereby be repeatedly moved to a desired position in the dispenser 7for interoperability with the item access mechanism 440. Moreover, theguide pin 313 is engaged with the pin guide block 154 to further preventmovement of the cart 150 within the interior of the dispenser 7.Referring again to FIG. 7D, in embodiments in which the front placementguide 316 comprises a guide slot 316 b, the front guide roller 156 ispositioned within the guide slot 316 b when the cart is in the fullyinserted position within the interior of the dispenser 7.

To remove the cart 150 from the dispenser 7, the user follows ananalogous procedure. For example, the user first disengages the cartlocking mechanism 312 by proving a force to the user engagementmechanism 312 c. The user then guides the second side of the cart 150out of the dispenser 7 (e.g., as effectively shown in FIG. 13). In soguiding the second side of the cart 150 out of the dispenser, the rearguide roller 157 contacts the rear placement guide 317. The usercontinues guiding the second side of the cart 150 out of the dispenser7, which causes the rear guide roller 157 to move across the guidesurface 317 a of the rear placement guide 317, thereby directing thecart both toward the access opening 110 and away from the cart stop 314.The user continues guiding the cart 150 out of the dispenser 7 until aportion of the second side of the cart 150 is located outside of theinterior area of the housing 50, and on the exterior side of the accessopening 110. The user then guides the first side of the cart 150 out ofthe dispenser 7 until the cart 150 is entirely located outside of thedispenser 7. In various embodiments, the second side of the cart 150 maybe guided out of the access opening 110 without a guide roller 157contacting a guide plate 317.

As will be appreciated from the above description, the aforementionedprocedure for inserting the cart 150 into the dispenser 7 enables a userto position the cart 150 by engaging portions of the cart guidemechanism. Using this method, the cart 150 can be guided into theappropriate position within the dispenser 7 and locked therein withminimal force supplied by the user.

FIGS. 14-22 provide detailed illustrations of the operation of theretractable support base 1000 as the cart 150 is being inserted into thehousing 50. In various embodiments, the steps illustrated in FIGS. 14-22may occur between the steps illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and described indetail above.

Beginning with FIG. 14, which occurs as a cart 150 having theretractable support base 1000 in the extended configuration has beenguided at least partially into the housing 50 and the cart's swivelingrear wheels 76, 77 are directed toward the back of the housing 50, thecart 150 is guided into the housing 50 such that the release device 1055is guided toward the latch release member 391. Simultaneously, the rearportion of the outrigger member 1010 is directed toward the pivotactuating member 392 as shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 16, the cart 150 is guided further into the housing 50and the release device 1055 engages the latch release member 391,thereby releasing the latch 1050 from engagement with the stability pin1022. After the latch 1050 is released and the outrigger member 1010 ispermitted to rotate away from the extended position, the rear portion ofthe outrigger member 1010 engages the pivot actuating member 392 asshown in FIG. 17, and the outrigger member 1010 rotates away from theextended configuration as the cart 150 is guided further into thehousing 50.

As shown in FIG. 18, the release device 1055 is configured to move alongthe angled release surface of the latch release member 391 as the cart150 is guided further into the housing 50. In various embodiments, therelease device 1055 may comprise a rotating member configured to rollalong the angled release surface of the latch release member 391 as thecart 150 is guided into the housing 50. Simultaneously, the rear portionof the outrigger member 1010 remains in engagement with the pivotactuating member 392 as shown in FIG. 19 while the cart 150 is beingguided into the housing 50, thereby causing the outrigger member 1010 torotate toward the retracted configuration.

As shown in FIG. 20, upon the cart reaching the fully inserted position(as illustrated in FIG. 12), the release device 1055 remains in contactwith the latch release member 391 and is proximate the rear of thehousing 50. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, the rear portion of theoutrigger member 1010 remains in contact with the pivot actuating member392 when the cart 150 is in the fully inserted position within thehousing 50. Indeed, as previously mentioned, the retractable supportbase 1000 may comprise a biasing system configured to bias the outriggermember 1010 toward the extended configuration, and accordingly when thecart 150 is fully inserted into the housing 50, the biasing system ofthe retractable support base 1000 may be configured to bias theoutrigger member 1010 such that the rear portion of the outrigger member1010 remains in contact with the pivot actuating member 392 while theoutrigger member is in the retracted configuration. Moreover, when thecart 150 is removed from the housing 50, the biasing system causes theoutrigger member 1010 to rotate toward the extended configuration untilthe rear portion of the outrigger member 1010 is no longer in contactwith the pivot actuating member 392, and the support pin 1022 engagesthe latch mechanism 1050.

As shown in FIG. 22, which is a side sectional view of a cart 150inserted into a housing 50, in the retracted configuration, theoutrigger member 1010 is positioned at least substantially within theperimeter of the cart 150 as defined by the cart frame 160 and wheels74-77, such that the outrigger member 1010 and outrigger wheels 1011,1021 do not interfere with the functionality of various portions of thedispenser (e.g., security bar 430, item access mechanism 440, and/or thelike).

Method of Providing Access to an Item Stored in a Cart

As previously described in reference to FIGS. 3-5, the illustrateddispenser 7 is configured for selectively providing access to a portionof the interior of the dispenser corresponding to a subset of thereceptacles formed within the cart 150. The illustrated control system70 is configured to receive a user input (e.g., via the user interface72), and determine one or more appropriate receptacles containing one ormore items for the user to receive.

Prior to receiving a user input, the item access mechanism 440 may bepositioned in a ready position, wherein the item access mechanism 440 isproximate the second side of the access opening 110 d (as shown in FIG.3). The item access mechanism 440 may be secured in the ready position,such that an unauthorized user is prevented from repositioning the itemaccess mechanism 440 without first providing a user input to the controlsystem 70. However, in certain embodiments, the item access mechanism440 may be freely repositioned laterally relative to the access opening110 prior to use.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a user provides an input to the controlsystem 70, such by providing input via the keypad, via a card swipereader, and/or the like. In response, the control system 70 determineswhether the user input is indicative of an authorized user, and if not,the control system 70 provides feedback indicating that the provideduser input is incorrect.

Upon a determination that the user input is indicative of an authorizeduser, the control system 70 determines one or more receptacles of thecart for which to provide access. The control system 70 may have datastored therein indicative of various features of the items stored ineach of the plurality of receptacles. Upon a user obtaining access to aparticular receptacle, the control system 70 may be updated to reflectthat the receptacle is thereafter empty, until the receptacle isreloaded. For example, a cart 150 may comprise clean scrubs to be wornby hospital personnel, and an upper portion of the cart 150 may compriseshirts and the bottom portion of the cart 150 may comprise pants. Uponreceipt of user input indicative of an authorized user, the controlsystem 70 may determine a single receptacle from the upper portion ofthe cart 150 containing an appropriately sized shirt for the user, andmay determine a single receptacle from the lower portion of the cart 150containing appropriately sized pants for the user. The user maythereafter be granted access to the receptacle containing theappropriately sized shirt and the receptacle containing theappropriately sized pants.

After determining one or more appropriate receptacles based at least inpart on the provided user input, the control system 70 causes a positionindicator light 309 to illuminate and thereby instruct to the user tomove the item access mechanism 440 to the corresponding lateralposition. As previously noted, upon the item access mechanism 440reaching the indicated lateral position, the item access mechanism 440may be locked into place (e.g., by a corresponding engagement mechanism)such that the item access mechanism 440 cannot be repositioned duringuse.

Additionally, after determining one or more appropriate receptacles forthe user, the access panels corresponding to the upper access door 443 aand the lower access door 443 b move such that the aperture is alignedvertically with the row corresponding with the identified receptacle.Thus, prior to granting the user access to the interior of the dispenser7, the aperture corresponding to the upper access door 443 a is alignedwith the identified receptacle, and the aperture corresponding to thelower access door 443 b is aligned with the identified receptacle.

After the apertures are aligned with the one or more identifiedreceptacles, the upper access door 443 a and/or lower access door 443 bare unlocked such that the user is granted access to the identifiedreceptacles. As previously described, the various features of thedispenser 7, cart 150, and item access mechanism 440 substantiallyimpede the user from accessing adjacent receptacles. For example, theuser is prevented from pulling the item access mechanism 440 away fromthe cart 150 so as to obtain easier access to adjacent receptacles bythe engagement between the lower guide member 446 of the item accessmechanism 440 and the security bar 430, and the engagement between theguide 444 and the guide rail 155.

After the user retrieves the items from the one or more receptacles, theupper and lower access doors 443 a, 443 b are closed and locked, anditem access mechanism 440 is unlocked such that it can slide laterallyrelative to the access opening 110. In various embodiments, the controlsystem 70 may provide the user with instructions to return the itemaccess mechanism to the ready position. However, in various embodimentsthe item access mechanism 440 is returned to the ready positionautomatically.

CONCLUSION

A dispenser 7 having a removable cart 150 with a plurality ofreceptacles therein allows the dispenser 7 to be restocked with items ina significantly reduced amount of time compared to other dispensers.Whereas other dispensers having a plurality of receptacles disposedwithin the dispenser must be restocked at a dispenser installationlocation by placing items in each of the receptacles individually, adispenser 7 having a removable cart 150 may be restocked by simplyremoving an empty cart 150 from the dispenser 7 and replacing it with afilled cart 150 that may be restocked away from the installationlocation.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A system for dispensing items, the systemcomprising: a cart comprising a cart body configured for storing one ormore items; and a dispenser comprising: a housing defining an accessopening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the cart; anaccess door disposed adjacent the access opening, the access doorconfigured for movement between (i) a closed position in which theaccess door prevents access to the cart when the cart is stored withinthe interior area of the housing and (ii) an open position in which theaccess door permits access to the cart when stored within the interiorarea of the housing; and a cart guide mechanism comprising a rear guiderail extending along a rear portion of the housing and an angled guiderail extending between the rear portion of the housing and a first sideportion of the housing; wherein the angled guide rail is configured toguide the cart to a desired position within the dispenser where a firstside wall of the cart body is substantially adjacent to a second sideportion of the housing opposite the first side portion, and a rear wallof the cart body is substantially parallel and adjacent to the rearguide rail.
 2. The system for dispensing items of claim 1, wherein: thecart comprises a cart locking member; and the cart guide mechanismcomprises a cart locking mechanism configured to engage the cart lockingmember when the cart is stored at the desired position within thedispenser.
 3. The system for dispensing items of claim 1, wherein thecart body defines at least one chamfered vertical rear corner locatedbetween the rear wall of the cart body and a second side of the cartbody, and the angled guide rail of the chamfered vertical rear corner issubstantially adjacent and parallel to the angled guide rail when thecart is stored at the desired position within the dispenser.
 4. Thesystem for dispensing items of claim 1, wherein: the cart furthercomprises at least one guide block having a hole extending at leastpartially therethrough, wherein the guide block is positioned proximatea first side of the cart body such that the hole extends in a directionparallel to the back wall of the cart; and the cart guide mechanism ofthe housing further comprises a guide pin, wherein at least a portion ofthe guide pin is configured to engage the hole of the guide blockcoupled to the cart when the cart is stored at the desired positionwithin the dispenser.
 5. The system for dispensing items of claim 4,wherein: the cart comprises a cart locking member positioned along therear wall of the cart body and proximate the second side of the cartbody; and the cart guide mechanism comprises a cart locking mechanismconfigured to engage the cart locking member when the cart is stored atthe desired position within the dispenser; wherein the cart guidemechanism prevents unauthorized removal of the cart from the dispenserwhile the guide pin is engaged with the hole of the guide block and thecart locking mechanism is engaged with the cart locking member.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: the cart further comprises at least oneguide roller; and the dispenser further comprises at least one guideplate comprising at least one guide surface configured to engage the atleast one guide roller; wherein the at least one guide roller isconfigured to engage the at least one guide surface as the cart isdirected into the interior of the housing in a first direction of traveland redirect the cart to a second direction of travel as the cart isdirected into the interior of the housing.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein: the at least one guide roller extends vertically above a top ofthe cart; and the at least one guide plate is positioned adjacent aceiling of the housing.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the at leastone guide roller comprises a first guide roller and a second guideroller; and the at least one guide plate comprises a first guide platecomprising a first guide surface and a second guide plate comprising asecond guide surface; wherein the first guide roller is configured toengage and follow the first guide surface as the cart is directed intothe interior of the housing in a first direction of travel and redirectthe cart to a second direction of travel as the cart is directed intothe interior of the housing; and the second guide roller is configuredto engage and follow the second guide surface as the cart is directedout of the housing in a third direction of travel.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the access door comprises an item access mechanismconfigured to selectively provide access to a portion of the interior ofthe housing through at least one aperture extending through the itemaccess mechanism, and wherein the item access mechanism is slidablycoupled to the housing such that the item access mechanism is configuredto slide laterally relative to the access opening.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the item access mechanism comprises at least oneslidable panel configured to reposition the at least one aperturevertically relative to the access opening.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein: the cart comprises a guide rail extending across a front faceof the cart; and the item access mechanism comprises a guide configuredto slidably engage the guide rail of the cart.
 12. The system of claim9, wherein the dispenser further comprises a control system incommunication with the item access mechanism, wherein the control systemcomprises: a user interface; and a processor configured to receive userinput from the user interface, and to selectably grant access to aportion of the interior of the housing via the item access mechanismbased at least in part on the user input.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the housing further comprises a door locking mechanismconfigured to selectably lock the access door in the closed position.14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first side portion of the housingcomprises a first side panel.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein thesecond side portion of the housing comprises a second side panel.
 16. Asystem for dispensing items, the system comprising: a cart comprising: acart body configured for storing one or more items; and a plurality ofdrive wheels secured relative to the cart body; and a retractablesupport base secured relative to the cart body, wherein the retractablesupport base comprises one or outrigger members and one or more supportwheels secured proximate a distal end of a corresponding outriggermember, and wherein the retractable support base is adjustable between:an extended configuration in which the distal ends of the one or moreoutrigger members extend beyond the perimeter of the cart; and aretracted configuration in which the distal ends of the one or moreoutrigger members are positioned within the perimeter of the cart; and adispenser comprising: a housing defining an access opening and aninterior portion dimensioned for receiving the cart; and a cartengagement mechanism configured to engage and pivot the retractablesupport base to the retracted configuration when the cart is insertedinto the interior portion of the housing.
 17. The system for dispensingitems of claim 16, wherein the retractable support base is biased to theextended configuration.
 18. The system for dispensing items of claim 16,wherein: the retractable support base further comprises a latchmechanism configured to lock the retractable support base in theextended configuration; and the cart engagement mechanism comprises alatch release member configured to unlock the retractable support basesuch that the retractable support base is pivotable to the retractedconfiguration.
 19. The system for dispensing items of claim 16, whereinthe dispenser comprises a cart guide mechanism configured to guide thecart into the dispenser such that the cart engagement mechanism engagesthe retractable support base of the cart to pivot the retractablesupport base to the retracted configuration.